3PL service provider FM Logistic India has been awarded a contract from Pepperfry, India’s No.1 furniture and home products marketplace, to manage its fulfilment operations for the Western region.

FM Logistic India will carry out warehousing operations at one of Pepperfry’s largest warehouses located in Bhiwandi which is spread across an area of 2,85, 000 sq. ft. The 3PL service provider will not only manage storage but also undertake a rigorous process of quality control as per prescribed guidelines and fulfil Pepperfry’s omni-channel orders. These goods will then be delivered to Pepperfry’s Studios for display and Distribution Centres across India, using Pepperfry’s last mile delivery network.

“Pepperfry is one of the most recognised furniture brands in India,” says Ashish Shah, Co-founder & COO, Pepperfry. “What started as a pure play online furniture store in 2012 has evolved as India’s leading furniture and home décor marketplace, both online and offline. The partnership with FM Logistic India will further help us serve our customers better thanks to a faster, most cost-effective supply chain and a continuous improvement orientation that FM Logistics brings to the table.”

“We are committed to helping our customers develop their e-commerce and omni-channel strategies. A fast supply chain is critical for brands to strengthen their identity and relationship with end customers. Therefore we are delighted to help Pepperfry manage their fulfilment operations for the Western region,” says Alexandre Amine Soufiani, MD, FM Logistic India.

The Indian furniture market is segmented on the basis of:

• Material – Wood, Metal, and Plastic and Other Furniture
• Type – Home Furniture, Office Furniture, Contract Furniture, and Other Furniture
• Distribution Channel – Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online, and Other Distribution Channels

The furniture industry in India, which currently stands at $17 billion in size, is growing at a CAGR of 15-17%. The organised sector accounts for about 15% of the industry, and the online furniture segment accounts for only 3% of that but is growing at a CAGR of 80%-85%. The major growth drivers for the industry are the evolving consumer preference for premium and good quality products, increasing urban population, growing internet connectivity and rising disposable income, among others. Further, COVID-19 has accelerated the shift from offline to online shopping and has positively influenced the WFH furniture market in India.

In 2020, the FM Logistic India has added 10 lakh sq. ft. of warehousing space under its operations despite the ongoing pandemic. This has created 800 new jobs and allowed 200 internal promotions. Furthermore, it still plans to expand its operations by the end of 2022-23, as announced earlier this year. The company will be setting up its own warehouses in the major consumption areas of the country like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc. Its first owned Multi-Client Facility (MCF) in Jhajjar, Haryana will provide 700,000 sq. ft. of warehousing space and will be operational this year. FM is aiming for a LEED Certification for this facility.